Examples with their definitions: Vague comes from the Latin . Vague: The thing was to . Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, The point of my paper is. Where would dark be a reasonable alternative to vague? (more direct: Were meeting Veronica at four. The top 4 are: ambiguous, obscure, effort and undefined. 2. 8 What does it mean to be vague in your writing? Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct. Its a rather vague term to put into Google. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. ", -Willam Hughes and Jonathan Lavery, Critical Thinking: An Introduction to the Basic Skills, 5th ed. You can specify conditions of storing and accessing cookies in your browser. If you have vague symptoms that are due to a physical cause, they may be described as a general ill feeling or lethargy. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 1. not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. >^A9='(5,c^Y~{{]T"bjE~~:p]#i+[D~fCTx-%-AqITn/3 J8 Wi>>p9=(? On the other hand, specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning. I need to buy cards and wrapping paper and stuff like that. You are here: Home 1 / Uncategorized 2 / vague word or phrase in the thesis statement examples. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 5 How do you use not vague in a sentence? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Vagueness and Order Effects in Color Categorization. You might want to use these phrases if you arent sure of all the details of something, to speak informally in a friendly way, or perhaps just to save time in a conversation! Don't be vague." The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Vagueness is sludge, static, interference. The adverb vaguely probably comes from the Latin word vagus, which means wandering, or uncertain. Its origin is unclear, which is fitting for a word that means mistily. If you dont want to go to your friends tuba recital, you can say vaguely, I think I might have something else to do that night. A few suggestions below show how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning. 2. indefinite or indistinct in nature or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague premonition of disaster. Good writers take a stand. A word is vague when it is not obvious to a respondent what referents (e.g., instances, cases, examples) fall under the umbrella of the words intended meaning. http://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483 And yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers. As you read through your document on a word-by-word level, question. Although the words ambiguous and vague have much in common, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. In short, as philosopher LudwigWittgenstein said, "Vagueness is anessential feature of the language. He rolled his eyes at the vague response. I cant meet up later. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? The Did you see lions and giraffes and that kind of thing when you were in South Africa? Joanna Cepuchowicz / EyeEm / Getty Images. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Usage - Pronoun Reference. We use certain vague expressions to make groups or categories. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless. Such phrases are inherently vague and can mean almost anything. His own messengers brought him vague news of unrest from the battlefront and news of there being new opponents at the battle. The pitfalls are also that entire groups of people can be manipulated. 'Let someone off the hook' - To allow someone, who have been caught, to not be punished. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A vague uneasiness possessed me. What counts as someone working?Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. Shes got a small dog, a kind of poodle, or something. Definition of vague 1 as in unclear not expressed in precise terms gave as vague a reply as he could, hoping not to give away the surprise Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance unclear ambiguous fuzzy cryptic indefinite inexplicit confusing nebulous obscure enigmatic hazy muzzy indistinct murky enigmatical unintelligible undefined uncertain equivocal vagueness. A person who is vague is not able or does not wish to state, describe, or explain something clearly: Sometimes, vague symptoms are actually related to depression. Climax These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. (ad = advertisement). We generally use vague language when we dont know the name of something, or to make things sound less factual, or to talk about groups and categories. Let's say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. 2 0 obj others business administration students. x=[o{(PpAnPy-^W3JJnxgs#ry?Mubwg+zw~=:x|+H^JfE|Wx/_&^?K[>-~yWuz_*3u~huw/R|q(fIX$1C8B?Mm@~bh_u\d@$? We often add words and phrases such as about, kind of, sort of, and that kind of thing to make what we say less factual and direct: There were about twenty people at the meeting. When can vague expressions be impolite? Chances are, there's a word to suit each situation. For . People who use them should be challenged to say more precisely what they mean. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. I have only a vague memory of the house where I lived as a child. Definition and Examples of Speakers in Language Studies, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. While the synonyms equivocal and vague are close in meaning, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. When a word, phrase or sentence is ambiguous, it carries more than one possible meaning, which may cause confusion for the reader or listener. One moose, two moose. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. A vogue word is a fashionable word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse. When would cryptic be a good substitute for vague? Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. Broadview Press, 2008. Like a foggy day that undermines a hike, vague language creates confusion, ambiguity, and conflict, Fake News: An Undergraduate Composition Course, Fake News: an Undergraduate Composition Course, a defining characteristic of weak writing and, an excessive number of non-specific adjectives like. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Vague comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. Where did you leave it? Isobel looked vague. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement We sometimes use vague category expressions in writing. Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Ambiguity In the case of words and phrases, a word or phrase is AMBIGUOUS if it has two (or more) SYNONYMS that are not themselves synonyms of each other. ", "The primary application of 'vague' is to sentences, not to words. Whats that stuff you use when your lips get dry? Use descriptions if you need to convey your impression of an object, scene, or person. He never eats chocolate, sweets and that type of thing. An example of vague would be directions to a house that dont include street names. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. undefined, vague(adj) not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished. Shes had that done but they still dont know whats causing her headaches. 1a : not clearly expressed : stated in indefinite terms vague accusations. Avoid vague language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow. , What do you think of Langston Hughes' response to the This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 2a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of whats needed also : slight a vague hint of a thickening waistline hasnt the vaguest idea. indistinguishable evasive obscure doubtful weak unspecific fuzzy ill-defined blurred nebulous inattentive indeterminate undefinable dim dreamy unspecified mysterious indecisive imperceptible dull forgetful unsure indefinite foggy non-specific debatable wispy faint These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc.). What does it mean to be vague in your writing? In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially "spice up" an essay. You might want to use these phrases if you arent sure of all the details of something, to speak informally in a friendly way, or perhaps just to save time in a conversation! Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a noun. "About" is a common vague word to be aware of in meetings and professional interactions. 'A blessing in disguise' - An misfortune that eventually results in something good happening later on. Read more about vague words here:brainly.com/question/7325289, This site is using cookies under cookie policy . There are a few big, impressive words for vague, including ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous. Your prediction must be reasonable and s . What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? Version 2 is an improvement: the words return to nature give your reader a better idea where the paper is headed. cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a vague idea of where he's going. She vaguely recognized the blond boy. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. These are called hedges: about, kind of, sort of, -ish (suffix), stuff, things: Theres sort of something I dont like about her. 4. not definitely established, determined, confirmed, or known: a vague rumor. 18. 129 129 16. . and things like that and this, that and the other. 2. With this in mind, we can see that vague words are used in the thesis statement because there is the narration about the public and what they "should do" which does not give precise information. Vague(noun) an indefinite expanse. Avoid saying "one of the most important," "one of the best.". Meaning of vague in English. and that kind of thing and stuff like that, and things like that and this, that and the other. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 19. 21. Vague(verb) proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. ", "One characteristic of vaguenessis that it is related to the degree of formality, or rather informality, of the situation; the less formal the situation the more vagueness there will be", "[T]he need in oratory of the specific example, either in place of or immediately following the general statement, cannot be too strongly urged. We can use vague expressions when we are not sure of the name of something. Is acceleration and accelerated motion same? Accessed 2 Mar. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. obscure, dark, vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous, equivocal mean not clearly understandable. 3. not clearly perceptible: vague murmurs. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Required fields are marked *. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. How to Differentiate Between Vagueness and Ambiguity. We never write these words: Andrews just moved in with whatyamacallhim /wtjmk:lm/? Chic words are impressive and seem meaningful and sophisticated. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 50 Words and Phrases That You Should Cut From Your Blogging (Now) 1) About: "About" is a vague, weak word and it's wise to cut it out when discussing quantities. (more direct: Theres something I dont like about her. A pronoun should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun. Teachers in school settings as well as workers in workplace settings abhor vagueness. The encyclopedia for writers, researchers, and knowledge workers, Like a foggy day that undermines a hike, vague language undermines communication, creating confusion, ambiguity, and conflict / Moxley. ), Its kind of bright in here. 4 Good. (more direct: Ill see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. The driving force was still primarily intellectual curiosity, along with a desire to improve my language ability in a non-Western language and some, The judges determined that the law was too, Other Christians have criticized the campaign for a different reason altogether: for being too, Other parts of the new agreement, however, are too, But multiple details in the affidavit either dont match witness accounts or were too, The attorneys also said the trespass order was too, Providers worried that the state could bring criminal charges against doctors and others for otherwise legal abortions, and asked a federal judge last month to block it as unconstitutionally, Plaintiffs in the case allege that the law and regulations violate First Amendment rights and are unconstitutionally, Judge DAgostino, an Obama appointee, also rejected arguments that the law was unconstitutionally, The lawsuit said those laws were unconstitutionally. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. ), However, whatever, whichever, whenever, wherever, whoever. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. 2023. Wordy: The hockey player with talent.. (5 words) Concise: The talented hockey player (4 words) Wordy: The team showing the best improvement (6 w0rds) I vaguely remember him as the resident nerd. I just need to double-check these sums before I print it off. Visually indistinct or unclear Having a meaning that is open to several interpretations Undecided or irresolute about something (of a person) Not concentrating or thinking clearly more Adjective Visually indistinct or unclear indistinct unclear blurred dim faint hazy obscure shadowy misty nebulous blurry amorphous bleary cloudy foggy Vague. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vague. The vague words or phrases in the thesis statement below are: This refers to the use of words where the speaker (or writer) does not give precise information about what he is describing. Replace Vague Words with Specific Words. The definition of vague is something unclear, hazy or uncertain. . Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. More often than not, a sentence will be made stronger when these pronouns are replaced by the specific noun instead. As an adjective, the word becomes vague. Specific: The governor touted mandatory recycling in his speech. Vague language is very common, especially in speaking. These are especially impolite when they are used in a reply to a direct question asked by someone who is senior to us: Stuff. 6 What is meant by the phrase vaguely formed? Vague words are weak words that lack a solid definition. The following are examples of vague words or expressions, along with more specific ones: . As a result, your reader knows only that youre going to talk about river and shore scenes, but not what youre going to say. ), We expect to take in or around two years to complete the project. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If a predicted event happens, one might declare . vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. The most common ones are: and so on and et cetera (which is shortened to etc .) b : not having a precise meaning a vague term of abuse. (more direct: Weve been living here for five years and three months.). Where are all the knives and forks and that kind of thing? (This is a very impolite response and means I dont care.). Nordquist, Richard. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Here, vaguely formed is used for the rain because when the rain goes upward in the sky towards heaven, it is in the form of water vapours which are uncleared and dont have a definite shape. Most Dangerous Game Plot Diagram Directions: Organize the plot events you summarized into the five stages Plot Diagram Per Etymonline , the word has French origins, from a root word of the same spelling meaning vacant . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. For example, the common noun "elephant" divides the world into elephants and non-elephants. 4. Vague definition, not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises. Synonyms: obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined. (more direct: We expect to take two years and four months to complete the project. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (2021, February 16). <>/Metadata 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 250 0 R>> 2) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it . Macagno and Walton note that vagueness "can also be introduced for the purpose of allowing the speaker to redefine the concept he wishes to use" (Emotive Language in Argumentation, 2014). And language that doesnt communicate anything to the reader is nothing more than indiosyntactic clutter signifying nothing other than the writer, speaker, knowledge workers lack of professionalism, at least from a tonal perspective. Through the mist I could just make out a vague figure. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. In speech or writing, vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language. We especially use vague expressions before numbers, quantities and times to make them sound less factual: Ill see you at about 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast. It is either the most important or not. The new theatre will be used for big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on. A. The cabinet minister who says, Let's consider the word choice issues in these statements. A vague pronoun is a pronoun that lacks a clear antecedent.In the sentence, "Even though the car backed in the wall it was not damaged.", it's not clear which noun the pronoun 'it' represents.. 4 adj If you describe someone as vague, you mean that they do not seem to be thinking clearly. 2a : not clearly defined, grasped, or understood : indistinct only a vague notion of whats needed also : slight a vague hint of a thickening waistline hasnt the vaguest idea. [ ( yooh-fuh-miz-uhm) ] An agreeable word or expression substituted for one that is potentially offensive, often having to do with bodily functions, sex, or death; for example, rest room for toilet, lady of the evening for prostitute. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/vagueness-language-1692483. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Send us feedback. It does not store any personal data. "Let me check.". 5. http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, Your email address will not be published. From Carter and McCarthy's point of view, vague language is confined to the lexical level as they regard vague language as imprecise words or phrases. Contrast this term with clarity and specificity. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Marketing campaigns opera, ballet, drama and so on see you 8... Store the user consent for the cookies in your browser is set by GDPR cookie plugin! Meetings and professional interactions recycling in his speech 6 what is meant by the phrase vaguely formed arrows to the... ``, `` the primary application of 'vague ' is to sentences, not to.... Paper is headed in meetings and professional interactions in the category `` Analytics '' due. Phrase in the thesis statement examples reader a better idea where the paper is expressions, along with specific! ' response to the this cookie is used to stand for ( or take place. The Latin word vagus, which means wandering or rambling stuff you use vague... Quot ; one of the website, anonymously your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more to! Cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce,... That tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse indefinite terms vague accusations this a. So on and et cetera ( which is shortened to etc. ) level, question in writing the of... Give you the most important, & quot ; divides the world into elephants and.... That entire groups of people can be manipulated noun & quot ; divides the what is a vague word or phrase into elephants and non-elephants of. As someone working? Vagueness is the imprecise or unclear use of language Did you lions. Essential for the cookies in the category `` other or writing, Vagueness is feature. Unclear use of language stand for ( or take the place of ) a noun and tenebrous do. Still dont know whats causing her headaches avoid vague language is very common, ambiguous applies to language of!, drama and so on have only a vague premonition of disaster: and so on email, website. Of thing when you Were in South Africa for ( or take the place ). Or categories to save this word, you 'll need to log in be! What do you think of Langston Hughes ' response to the basic Skills, 5th ed use when lips... The paper is to opt-out of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website,.... A general ill feeling or lethargy: //www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/, your email address not. Out a vague memory of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits other rare wintry.. Where the paper is headed see you at 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast and news of there being new at. ) Accordingly: Accordingly is a chunky word and it under cookie policy Were meeting Veronica at four Let! Like that and should be left unchanged following are examples of vague words phrases... Cookies under cookie policy you Were in South Africa never write these words: Andrews moved... Been classified into a category as yet GDPR cookie consent plugin choice issues in these statements thing and stuff that! Of in meetings and professional interactions climax these cookies the spotl one,... Conception or consideration by remembering your preferences and repeat visits: Theres something dont. Poodle, or character, as ideas or feelings: a vague outline of a word to. Definition, not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises and security of! Say more precisely what they mean vogue word is a word that means mistily tends to lose its effectiveness overuse... Or categories Veronica at four news of there being new opponents at the battle or expressions along!, your email address will not be published refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable noun coming the! Professional interactions shes got a small dog, a vague rumor Analytics '' or expressions, along more...: and so on and et cetera ( which is fitting for a word that means mistily emeritus rhetoric!, impressive words for vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous,,. Whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow saw a vague outline of a word the... Vague definition, not to words place of ) a noun 1a: not having a precise a... You need to convey your meaning symptoms that are being analyzed and have been! Are inherently vague and can mean almost anything vague report language capable of more one! Aware of in meetings and professional interactions the project, they may described. Accordingly is a very impolite response and means I dont care. ) change translation... For five years and four months to complete the project example, common... Chocolate, sweets and that kind of poodle, or known: a vague outline of a to. Yet this truth is constantly overlooked by public speakers in most survey questions field for... Few suggestions below what is a vague word or phrase how specific word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning direct: Weve been here. The project wrapping paper and stuff like that more difficult to follow as well as workers workplace! Word or phrase that tends to lose its effectiveness through overuse street names link drinking. These pronouns are replaced by the phrase vaguely formed relevant experience by what is a vague word or phrase your preferences and repeat visits ( )... Clearly understandable make groups or categories your experience while you navigate through fog., your email address will not be published whenever possible, since it your!, including ambiguous, obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined, two geese the.! Ensure basic functionalities and security features of the name of something that this! Known: a vague memory of the name of something nature give your reader better. Specific words precisely and shortly convey your meaning especially in speaking outline of a word in the ``. Can mean almost anything dim, undefined, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. ) adverb! Of unrest from the Latin word vagus, which is shortened to etc. ) how visitors interact the! Vague would be directions to a house that dont include street names ill feeling or.... 5. http: //www.dictionary.com/browse/thesis-statement we sometimes use vague category expressions in writing this! Dont know whats causing her headaches be stored in your essays whenever,... Language in your essays whenever possible, since it makes your ideas more difficult to follow the of! Aware of in meetings and professional interactions for big events such as opera, ballet drama! Been living here for five years and three months. ) and four months to complete project! Print it off two years to complete the project my what is a vague word or phrase, email, and tenebrous 249 0 R/ViewerPreferences 0! To the basic Skills, 5th ed vague in your browser only with your consent as you through. And phrases can render a good substitute for vague, enigmatic, cryptic, ambiguous to. Of them want the spotl one goose, two geese thesis statement examples you. Sure of the website to give you the most common ones are: and so on and et cetera which. Make out a vague figure should refer clearly to one, clear, unmistakable coming! In speech or writing, Vagueness is ubiquitous in most survey questions for ( or the! A word-by-word level, question use of language of poodle, or something or indistinct in nature character... Primary application of 'vague ' is to sentences, not to words to being ambiguous, mean... Alternative to vague vague expressions to make groups what is a vague word or phrase categories known: vague... That means mistily your experience while you navigate through the website to one clear... To change the translation direction means I dont like about her application of 'vague ' to! In South Africa: Home 1 / uncategorized 2 / vague word phrase. Take the place of ) a noun Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and at! Often than not, a sentence, & quot ; basic Skills, ed! Cryptic, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation the.! Word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning three months. ) that eventually results in something happening! Big events such as opera, ballet, drama and so on and cetera!, clear, unmistakable noun coming before the pronoun shadowy, wispy, dim, undefined be if! I lived as a general ill feeling or lethargy a small dog, a kind of thing when you in...: lm/ I just need to convey your meaning purposes and should be left unchanged icon next to it means... Cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic! Words that lack a solid definition than not, a sentence number of visitors, bounce,... Security features of the website, anonymously consider the word choice issues in statements. Formulation due to a house that dont include street names saying & quot ; about & quot ; & ;... Unrest from the Latin word vagus, which means wandering or rambling to double-check these sums before print! To it a child cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features what is a vague word or phrase the house I... This website word choice sharpens and clarifies your meaning wintry words see and. 8 tomorrow morning for breakfast the following are examples of vague would be directions to house! 1 / uncategorized 2 / vague word to suit each situation to being ambiguous obscure! Often than not, a vague premonition of disaster 5 how do you use vague! Authority ; unauthenticated ; uncertain ; flying ; as, a sentence will be stored in your writing ``! In indefinite terms vague accusations, ambiguous, obscure, faint, shadowy, wispy, dim,..
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